CN1826574A

CN1826574A - Data input device, information equipment, information equipment control method, and computer program

Info

Publication number: CN1826574A
Application number: CN200480021052.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 熊泽逸夫
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-22
Filing date: 2004-07-22
Publication date: 2006-08-30
Also published as: JP2005044122A

Abstract

A low-cost information input device for information equipment is disclosed which has characteristics of a cross key, a tablet and a stick at the same time with simple technology. Specifically, disclosed is a data input device which operates information equipment by sending an input signal according to the position touched by an operator's finger or the operation performed by the finger. The data input device comprises a finger rest unit for resting the finger, a finger position sensor capable of sensing which one of the three positions, namely which one of the right, left and middle part of the finger rest unit in touched by the finger, and a vertical switch (14) capable of switching by vertical movement of the finger rest unit. In this connection, the finger rest unit is so formed as to support the finger by two rotary bodies (1, 2) respectively having a rotary axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the operator's finger.

Description

Data input device, information equipment, information equipment control method and computer program

Technical field

The present invention relates to be used for the data input device and the relative technology of electronic equipment.

Background technology

(stimulating the data input device of sense of touch)

Have much to operator's feedback data input mode by the vision and the sense of hearing, having stimulates the data input device of user's haptic mechanism also to disclose following technology.

For example, (spy open flat 11-161152, spy open flat 10-55252, the spy opens flat 6-102997) who has the pin type display to go out by spicula; Have and allow (spy opens flat 6-102997, the spy opens flat 2001-356862) that is inlaid in oscillator in the mouse and drive part action; Have to allow the control lever vibration (spy opens 2000-29623) of location usefulness, notify cursor on the picture to arrive the target area to the operator; Also have,, stretch out, stimulate finger that the device (spy opens 2000-259333, the spy opens 2000-47792) of dummy object sense of touch is provided according to the fingertip location contact pin along with moving of finger tip.

(only importing) with the data of a finger

By the down position and the lifting position of combination finger tip, the mode of the information that appointment will be imported (spy opens flat 11-224161, reality is opened flat 5-55222) is effective for importing diversified information with a finger.But, smaller and more exquisite and the range of movement of finger is dwindled in order to make device, then in narrow and small range of movement, be difficult to hold exactly approaching down position and lifting position mutually.Simultaneously, because want to carry out promptly the decline of finger tip, mobile and upward movement, before the decline that detects finger tip, finger tip just begins to move mistakenly, and the fingertip location that detects when descending has left original due position, thereby causes the mistake input.

(with the combination of sense of touch)

In order to address these problems, people have designed following mode, when promptly specifying the information that to import by combination down position of finger tip and lifting position, position according to finger tip applies different haptic stimuluses, clearly hold down position and lifting position (spy opens 2002-278694) by the difference of sense of touch, like this, though in narrow and small range of movement, can be in moveable finger promptly by sense of touch, clearly hold finger position, and can correctly import, but structure becomes complicated more.

In addition, the somebody has designed shape and the size that changes cursor key by all directions, so that the mode of distinguishing by sense of touch (spy opens flat 3-90922); Arrange a plurality of bulbous protrusion in the finger tip contact portion, finger tip on bulbous protrusion is arranged smooth and easy mobile in, arranging concavo-convex tactile data with bulbous protrusion is the mode (spy opens flat 11-353091, the spy opens 2001-166817) of clue input information.

But, these modes since concavo-convex be stationary, even movable finger tip also can't obtain the difference of concaveconvex shape clearly.And only specify input information by the down position of finger tip, thereby must increase the quantity of bulbous protrusion, could import diversified information.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is to develop new data input device and associated technology, addressing the above problem, this device possess the directionkeys function that just can move in the moment of putting down finger simultaneously and can enough sense of touch affirmations operate in the function of finger position.

It is with the different of operating rod and trace ball, just can detect this finger position contacting (3 different landing points) in the moment of putting down finger, and can carry out button operation with these three kinds of landing points.

Be that with the different of graphic tablet bounce and concavo-convex sense of touch when pressing are arranged, the sense of rattling away of the click of button operation arranged, the movable swimmingly finger of the state that can always keep in touch.

Be with the different of cross key, can detect finger direction of motion all around, rather than point the simple motion of rapping, can also detect its movement velocity in case of necessity.

The present invention possesses the characteristics of cross key, graphic tablet, operating rod simultaneously, and provide cheaply, the correlation technique of simple data input device.

(claim 1)

Invention described in the claim 1 relates to the finger institute's position contacting that a kind of basis operates and the operation of this finger and sends input signal, and the data input device of operation information equipment has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; Above-below direction switch (14), it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly, it is characterized in that, holds the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies (1,2) of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated.

Described " information equipment ", except that computing machine, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PersonalDigital Assistants) etc., can also be pen recorder (video tape recorder, DVD video tape recorder etc.), automobile navigation apparatus of televisor, television image etc.The data input device that this claim relates to, for televisor, pen recorder, automobile navigation apparatus, data input device will provide with the form with the operating terminal of information equipment physical separation.

The structure of " holding finger assembly " for can about rotary body (1,2) or three places in the middle of it place finger.

" finger position sensor " can be the electrostatic detection sensor of surveying the finger contact, and the combination of " holding finger assembly " contact when adopting the seesaw structure etc.

" rotary body (1,2) " for example also comprise except that the rotary body of physics rotation, by with the rotary body of the electrostatic detection formula that contacts the simulation rotation of finger.

The layout of " two rotary bodies (1,2) ", make separately surface of revolution not can near, and, at interval littler than the width of pointing.

(effect and effect)

At first, make data input device be in the state that to operate information equipment.

Then, the operator of operation information equipment is put into finger any left and right or middle position of holding finger assembly.The finger position sensor will detect the position that this finger is placed.

Be put into the finger that holds on the finger assembly, direction moves to the left and right, or directly presses downwards.When direction moves to the left and right, the finger position sensor will detect it and move.Down on time, can carry out the operation of above-below direction switch (14).

Press downwards, after above-below direction switch (14) is in open mode, can directly leave finger, leave finger after also direction moves to the left and right.When direction moves to the left and right, the finger position sensor will detect it and move.

According to above-mentioned a series of operation, promptly hold the contacting of the selection of position on the finger assembly and finger, afterwards the opening of the having or not of move left and right, above-below direction switch, afterwards the having or not of move left and right, above-below direction switch operation such as close, just can operation information equipment.

Hold finger assembly be equipped with finger vertically be the rotary body of rotating shaft, therefore finger move left and right swimmingly.

(claim 2)

The described invention of claim 2, it is the invention on the described data input device of claim 1 basis, relate to a kind of data input device, it is characterized in that, have and to detect the rotation sensor (20) that two rotary bodies (1,2) are rotated respectively.

(effect and effect)

By being equipped with rotation sensor (20) corresponding to rotary body (1,2), can be with the rotational speed of each rotary body (1,2), rotation amount etc. parameter during also as operation information equipment use.Like this, can increase the operation variation of information equipment.

(claim 3)

The described invention of claim 3, it is the invention on each described data input device basis of claim 1 or claim 2, it is characterized in that, be equipped with relative position haptics member (44,45) between two rotary bodies (1,2), it can touch the finger that is placed between two rotary bodies (1,2) that hold finger assembly.

" relative position haptics member " can be projection, rotary body (1, the 2) rotary body (44) that diameter is littler about ratio and the combination of rotating shaft (45) thereof etc. of contact finger tripe.

(effect and effect)

Relative position haptics member (44,45) is positioned between two rotary bodies (1,2), is placed on the finger that holds on the finger assembly when therefore operating and contacts with relative position haptics member (44,45), can hold relative position even need not estimate also.

(claim 4)

The described invention of claim 4, be in the invention of claim 1 to each described data input device basis of claim 3, it is characterized in that having: hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism.

" hold the finger assembly slide mechanism ", can adopt as being configured in the roller structure that holds the finger assembly bottom, being arranged on intermeshing track structure that holds on the member that finger assembly and indication hold finger assembly etc.

(effect and effect)

Hold finger assembly slide mechanism and sliding position detecting sensor by outfit, can be with the amount of movement, translational speed etc. that hold the finger assembly fore-and-aft direction parameter during also as operation information equipment use.Like this, can increase the operation variation of information equipment.

(claim 5)

The described invention of claim 5, be in the invention of claim 1 to each described data input device basis of claim 4, it is characterized in that, possess: Date Conversion Unit, its output to each sensor and above-below direction switch (14) is changed, and makes it to meet the agreement that information equipment can be discerned; Shaping unit, it carries out shaping to the conversion output through this Date Conversion Unit conversion, makes it to become the signal that conforms to the transmission mode of transmitting to information equipment.

For example, when information equipment is PC, possess corresponding Date Conversion Unit and shaping unit, can be connected on the USB port that is provided in the PC end.Its Control Component can be built in the data input device, or be built in the information equipment, or realizes in the software of information equipment, or the like.

In addition, when for example massaging device was televisor, data input device was for carrying out remote-operated telechiric device to this televisor.And to being arranged on the infrared ray receiving port of TV set terminal, the remote controller end possesses Date Conversion Unit and infrared data transmit port.

(changing 1)

Claim 1 can also have following variation to each described data input device of claim 5.

Promptly it is characterized in that, hold in the finger assembly about rotary body (1,2), cut apart before and after respectively, hold the formation structure of finger assembly simultaneously, direction moves forwards, backwards.

" front and back are cut apart ", be meant that particularly right rotation body (1) physically is divided into right back rotary body (32) and (33) two parts of right front rotary body.

To holding finger assembly, the structure of " direction moves forwards, backwards " is meant except that slide mechanism as claimed in claim 4, can be along the round seesaw structure of fore-and-aft direction.

Therefore by this variation, rotary body (1,2) has former and later two respectively, can hold to allow with sense of touch and hold which the direction motion of finger assembly about forwards, backwards.

(changing 2)

It is characterized in that promptly the near-end that holds finger assembly has finger supporting structure, move the finger root side direction below that can prevent to be placed on the finger that holds on the finger assembly, and the position of supporting finger in this finger supporting structure forms the structure that direction is to the left and right slided.

By this variation, finger supporting structure has carried the part of finger, thereby can allow to hold finger assembly direction is smooth and easy to the left and right and move.Simultaneously, because finger supporting structure has carried the part of finger, be easier to prevent the misoperation of switch (14).

(claim 6)

The described invention of claim 6 relates to a kind of information equipment, has the data input device (for example locating device) that is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and allows the cursor that shows on this output picture or pen travel optional position to the output picture.

Described data input device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; Above-below direction switch (14), it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly, it is characterized in that, holds the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies (1,2) of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated.

The information equipment that this claim relates to is meant the equipment that is embedded with data input device, particularly, except that computing machine, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (Personal Digital Assistants) etc., can also be pen recorder (video tape recorder, DVD video tape recorder etc.), automobile navigation apparatus of televisor, television image etc.The data input device that this claim relates to for televisor, pen recorder, automobile navigation apparatus, will provide with the form of the operating terminal that can separate with information equipment.

In addition, the output signal that the finger position sensor of data input device and above-below direction switch (14) send, determine according to tables of data with the output signal relationship that makes the cursor that shows on the information equipment output picture or pen travel use, this tables of data can be built in the data input device, or be built in the information equipment, or in the software of information equipment, realize, or the like.

(effect and effect)

Cursor or pointer output on the output picture of information equipment.This cursor or pointer can move to the optional position on the output picture by the operation of finger to the data input media.Particularly, the operation of finger, by to any or middle three kinds finger position sensor in about holding finger position in the finger assembly and can detecting, with can be by holding the above-below direction switch (14) that moving up and down of finger assembly carried out switch, become signal output, cursor or pointer move according to this signal, and correspondingly show on the output picture.

Because finger is touching the moment of holding finger assembly, just can moving cursor or pointer, therefore, quicker than the trace ball or the electrostatic Trackpad of the action that needs assigned direction after contacting to the instruction of cursor or pointer.

(holding the formation of finger assembly)

" holding finger assembly " after the claim 6 do not have the qualification of " vertically is that two rotary bodies (1,2) of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated ".

(claim 7)

The described invention of claim 7, it is the invention on the described information equipment of claim 6 basis, it is characterized in that promptly data input device has: hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism.

(effect and effect)

Owing to be equipped with and hold finger assembly slide mechanism and sliding position detecting sensor, so the operation that reliable intuition allows cursor or pointer vertically move on picture.

(claim 8)

The described invention of claim 8 relates to a kind of information equipment, has to be used at the output picture of display message on the picture and can to select to specify in the indicating device of the choice menus that shows on this output picture.

This indicating device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; Above-below direction switch (14), it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly, it is characterized in that, holds the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies (1,2) of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated.

Be with the difference of claim 6 or the described invention of claim 7, but, replaced display highlighting or pointer on the output picture of information equipment with showing choice menus, selecting definite menu etc.The selection of output picture is determined to wait operation, carry out according to the output of indicating device.

(claim 9)

The described invention of claim 9, it is the invention on the described information equipment of claim 8 basis, it is characterized in that indicating device has: hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism.

(effect and effect)

Owing to be equipped with and hold finger assembly slide mechanism and sliding position detecting sensor, vertically also can arrange choice menus at the output picture.Therefore, can show more choice menus.Simultaneously, to shown choice menus, can carry out vertically moving and selection operation on the picture by intuition.

(claim 10)

The described invention of claim 10 relates to a kind of information equipment, has: the character entry apparatus that is used for showing at the output picture of display message on the picture with on this output picture any character.

This character entry apparatus can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; Above-below direction switch (14), it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly.

And, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies (1,2) of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, it is characterized in that, the output picture has: the alternative characters output unit, it shows alternatively and answers the alternative of input character according to the signal from the finger position sensor; Determine the character output unit, the alternative characters that it shows this alternative characters output unit according to the signal from above-below direction switch (14), shows and selects definite definite character.

Be with the difference of the described invention of claim 8, can select character with showing, to select the character of decision etc., but replaced the demonstration choice menus, select the menu of decision etc.The selection of output picture is determined to wait operation, carry out according to the output of character entry apparatus.

(claim 11)

The described invention of claim 11, it is the invention on the described information equipment of claim 10 basis, it is characterized in that character entry apparatus has: hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism.

(effect and effect)

Owing to be equipped with and hold finger assembly slide mechanism and sliding position detecting sensor, on the output picture, vertically also can arrange selectable character.Therefore, can show more selection character.Simultaneously, to the shown character selected, can carry out vertically moving and selection operation on the picture by intuition.

(claim 12)

The described invention of claim 12 relates to a kind of information equipment control method, this information equipment has the data input device that is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and allows the cursor that shows on this output picture or pen travel optional position to the output picture.

Data input device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly.

And information equipment control method is characterised in that to have: receiving step receives the output signal from finger position sensor and above-below direction switch; Switch process according to the signal list of prior storage, is converted to the output signal of this receiving step reception the move of cursor or pointer; The output step is according to the move through this switch process conversion, the control signal of output cursor or pointer.

(claim 13)

The described invention of claim 13, it is the invention on the described information equipment control method of claim 12 basis, it is characterized in that, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies (1,2) of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, data input device has can detect the rotation sensor (20) that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receives the output signal from this rotation sensor (20).

(effect and effect)

By being equipped with rotation sensor (20) corresponding to rotary body (1,2), can be with the rotational speed of each rotary body (1,2), rotation amount etc. parameter during also as operation information equipment use.Like this, can increase the operation variation of data input device and information equipment.

(claim 14)

The described invention of claim 14 relates to a kind of information equipment control method, and this information equipment has and is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and can selects to specify in the indicating device of the choice menus that shows on this output picture.

Indicating device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly.

And information equipment control method is characterised in that to have: receiving step receives the output signal from finger position sensor and above-below direction switch; Switch process, according to the signal list of prior storage, the output signal that this receiving step is received is converted in the definite instruction of the selection of exporting the choice menus that shows on the picture; The control execution in step according to determining instruction through the selection of this switch process conversion, is controlled this information equipment.

(claim 15)

The described invention of claim 15, it is the invention on the described information equipment control method of claim 14 basis, it is characterized in that, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies (1,2) of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, indicating device has can detect the rotation sensor (20) that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receives the output signal from this rotation sensor (20).

Like this, can increase the operation variation of indicating device and information equipment.

(claim 16)

The described invention of claim 16 relates to a kind of information equipment control method, and this information equipment has and is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and is used for showing the character entry apparatus of any character on this output picture.

Character entry apparatus can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly.

Information equipment control method is characterised in that to have: finger position sensor signal receiving step receives the signal from the finger position sensor; Alternative characters output step according to the alternative characters table of prior storage, to changing from the signal of this finger position sensor, shows on the output picture alternatively and answers the alternative of input character; Above-below direction switch receiving step receives the signal from the above-below direction switch; Determine character output step,,, on the output picture, show and select definite definite character changing from the signal of above-below direction switch according to definite character list of prior storage.

(claim 17)

The described invention of claim 17, it is the invention on the described information equipment control method of claim 16 basis, it is characterized in that, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies (1,2) of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, character entry apparatus has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receives the output signal from this rotation sensor.

Like this, can increase the operation variation of character entry apparatus and information equipment.

(claim 18)

The described invention of claim 18 relates to a kind of control program of information equipment, this information equipment has the data input device that is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and allows the cursor that shows on this output picture or pen travel optional position to the output picture.

Data input device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; Hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly.

The control program of information equipment is to allow the computer program that is built in the computing machine execution following steps in the information equipment: receiving step receives the output signal from finger position sensor, sliding position detecting sensor and above-below direction switch; Switch process according to the signal list of prior storage, is converted to the output signal of this receiving step reception the move of cursor or pointer; The output step is according to the move through this switch process conversion, the control signal of output cursor or pointer.

(claim 19)

The described invention of claim 19 is the invention on the described computer program of claim 18 basis.

Promptly hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, data input device has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.

(claim 20)

The described invention of claim 20 relates to a kind of control program of information equipment, and this information equipment has and is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and can selects to specify in the indicating device of the choice menus that shows on this output picture.

The control program of information equipment is to allow the computer program that is built in the computing machine execution following steps in the information equipment: receiving step receives the output signal from finger position sensor and above-below direction switch; Switch process, according to the signal list of prior storage, the output signal that this receiving step is received is converted in the definite instruction of the selection of exporting the choice menus that shows on the picture; The control execution in step according to determining instruction through the selection of this switch process conversion, is controlled this information equipment.

(claim 21)

The described invention of claim 21 is the invention on the described computer program of claim 20 basis.

Promptly hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, indicating device has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.

(claim 22)

The described invention of claim 22 relates to a kind of control program of information equipment, and this information equipment has and is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and is used for showing the character entry apparatus of any character on this output picture.

The control program of information equipment is to allow the computer program that is built in the computing machine execution following steps in the information equipment: finger position sensor signal receiving step receives the signal from the finger position sensor; Alternative characters output step according to the alternative characters table of prior storage, to changing from the signal of this finger position sensor, shows on the output picture alternatively and answers the alternative of input character; Above-below direction switch receiving step receives the signal from the above-below direction switch; Determine character output step,,, on the output picture, show and select definite definite character changing from the signal of above-below direction switch according to definite character list of prior storage.

(claim 23)

The described invention of claim 23 is the invention on the described computer program of claim 22 basis.

Promptly hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, character entry apparatus has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.

(drive software)

The computer program that claim 18 to claim 23 relates to, when the related separately locating device as data input device, indicating device or character entry apparatus and the information equipment that relates to separately provide respectively, also provide drive software sometimes with indicating device, indicating device or character entry apparatus.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the oblique view of the user mode of expression embodiment of the present invention one.

Fig. 2 is the side view and the front elevation of the user mode of expression embodiment of the present invention one.

Fig. 3 is the figure that is used for defining the present invention's direction.

Fig. 4 is the front elevation that concerns between finger position and the contact in the expression embodiment of the present invention one.

Fig. 5 is the front elevation that expression can detect the embodiment of the rotary body anglec of rotation.

Fig. 6 is the side view of the embodiment of expression direction slip forwards, backwards finger.

Fig. 7 is the figure that expression has connected operation steps on the information equipment display of the data input device that the present invention relates to.

Fig. 8 is the side view that the expression fore-and-aft direction has the embodiment of seesaw structure.

Fig. 9 is the side view that the expression fore-and-aft direction has the embodiment of rotary body.

Figure 10 is the side view that the expression fore-and-aft direction has the embodiment of seesaw structure.

Figure 11 is the side view of embodiment that expression has the structure of the misoperation of preventing.

Figure 12 is the side view that is illustrated in the embodiment of the member that has the contact finger between two rotary bodies.

Embodiment

(formation of embodiment one: Fig. 1～4)

Fig. 1 is the oblique view of user mode of the embodiment one of the relevant data input device that the present invention relates to of expression.Fig. 2 (a) is the side view of embodiment one.Fig. 2 (b) is the front elevation of embodiment one.

In Fig. 3, also can see, the data input device finger manipulation that the present invention relates to, to this finger supposition palm end be D score, nail end for " on ".Simultaneously, be standard with the finger of service data input media (below be defined as " operation finger "), suppose that the finger tip direction is " far-end " or " preceding ", the wrist end is " near-end " or " back ".

The notebook data input media by substrate (8), be fixed on push switch (14) above this substrate (8), the switch that is arranged in described substrate (8) top for the on/off operation of carrying out this push switch (14) is with plate (9) with in the top of this switch with plate (9), vertically is the member composition of locating to carry the operation finger between two rotary bodies (dextrorotation turn 1, left-handed turn 2) of rotating shaft to point.

Described switch has hinge (10,11,12) with plate (9) at the near-end of operation finger, and this hinge (10,11,12) is fixed on the near-end that substrate (8) is gone up the operation finger, thereby is arranged in substrate (8) top.Promptly this hinge is gone up the hinge fixed component (11) of operation finger near-end, this hinge fixed component (11) is rotated freely the gemel arch (10) of fixing arcuation and is used to make this gemel arch (10) to form with the rotatably fixing bearing components (12) of the near-end of plate (9) at switch by being fixed on substrate (8).

The member of support operation finger has two tubular rotary bodies (1,2) of the swollen drum of vertical center section; Continuous rotary body Support Level (dextrorotation turn Support Level 3, the left-handed Support Level 4 of turning), it is in order to allow this rotary body (1,2) be arranged in parallel with plate (9) top at described switch, run through this rotary body (1,2) axial in, be fixed on described switch front and back with plate (9); Arcuation line (right arcuation line 6, left arcuation line 7), it is fixed on switch with on the plate (9) with this rotary body Support Level (3,4).Below two rotary bodies (1,2) and rotary body Support Level (3,4) are called " holding finger assembly " work because they make as a whole assembly to operation finger.In addition, be called the member of " line ", its material is for carrying out the metal wire of plastic yield processing.

Arcuation line (6,7), the internal diameter of its arch are greater than the profile of rotary body Support Level (3,4), in order to supporting rotator Support Level (3,4).Be between rotary body Support Level (3,4) and the arcuation line (6,7), arranged so-called " play ".Therefore, rotary body Support Level (3,4) and two rotary bodies (1,2) of supporting with this rotary body Support Level (3,4) can the left and right directions swings.Also promptly, make and hold finger assembly and form " seesaw ".The position that becomes this seesaw fulcrum in the rotary body Support Level (3,4) is respectively right fulcrum (15) and left fulcrum (16).

Above the front end of switch with plate (9), fix switching line (5), run through the inboard of described arcuation line (6,7).This switching line (5) is fixed on the position that joins with right fulcrum (15) and left fulcrum (16) when holding the finger assembly inclination.Simultaneously, under the light condition, rotary body Support Level (3,4) will contact with right fulcrum (15), left fulcrum (16) and switching line (5) because of the deadweight of holding finger assembly.

Rotary body Support Level (3,4), switching line (5) and arcuation line (6,7) adopt the electric conductivity material.The upstanding portion (13) of the upstanding portion of supporting rotator Support Level (3,4) far-end arcuation line (6,7) and supporting rotator Support Level (3,4) near-end arcuation line (6,7) is provided with the insulation tunicle.The horizontal component of arcuation line (6,7) is not then established the insulation tunicle.

Owing to have above-mentioned conduction, insulation relation, the upstanding portion (13) of arcuation line (6,7) can not switched on even contact with rotary body Support Level (3,4) or switching line (5) yet.And two rotary bodies (1,2) are when tilting, and in the rotary body Support Level (3,4) one will contact with one horizontal component in the arcuation line (6,7) and switch on.

Figure 4 shows that the line of " holding finger assembly ".Gauge wire is connected with switching line (5).Right lead (19) is connected with right arcuation line (6), and left lead (18) is connected with left arcuation line (7).

(information equipment that is connected with data input device and Control Component)

Data input device with said structure is connected use with information equipment, this information equipment can be controlled by the various signals from this data input device.In order to control this information equipment, data input device, information equipment, or connect in their information transmission equipment one, need to be equipped with Control Component.This Control Component has: Date Conversion Unit, and it is changed the sensor (

contact

5,6,7) and the output of above-below direction switch (14), makes it to meet the agreement that information equipment can be discerned; Shaping unit, it carries out shaping to the conversion output through this Date Conversion Unit conversion, makes it to become the signal (serial signal or parallel signal) that conforms to the transmission mode of transmitting to information equipment.For example, when information equipment is PC, have the Date Conversion Unit and the shaping unit that can be connected on the USB port.

This Control Component can be built in the data input device, or is built in the information equipment, or realizes in the software of information equipment, or the like.Control Component has the tables of data in groups of sensor (

contact

5,6,7) and above-below direction switch (14) output signal.This tables of data will be narrated in the back.

(effect of embodiment one)

At first, will operate finger and be put into dextrorotation and turn on (1), and then shown in Fig. 4 (a), hold finger assembly and will tilt to the right, with when switching line (5) contacts, the left-handed Support Level of turning (4) contacts with left arcuation line (7) at right fulcrum (15).Like this, in left lead (18) energising, gauge wire (17) is also switched on.But dextrorotation is turned Support Level (3) because the existence of insulator (13) can not make right lead (19) energising.By this "on" position, Control Component just can detect operation finger and carry out the operation that makes it to be tilted to the right to holding finger assembly.

With finger be put into hold finger assembly about or any middle position, should point downwards and move, then switch is centroclinal with plate (9) with hinge (10,11,12), thereby the front portion of holding finger assembly is reduced, press push switch (14) by switch with the lower surface of plate (9), can make switch be in open mode.Be the motion of finger above-below direction shown in Figure 3, through holding the finger assembly transmission, the ON/OFF by push switch (14) is detected.

Finger still is placed between two rotary bodies (1,2), raising then shown in Fig. 4 (c), is held finger assembly and will be tilted to the left the pressure of left-handed turning (2), with when switching line (5) contacts, the dextrorotation Support Level (3) of turning contacts with right arcuation line (6) at left fulcrum (16).Like this, in right lead (19) energising, gauge wire (17) is also switched on.But the left-handed Support Level of turning (4) is not because the existence of insulator (13) can make left lead (18) energising.By this "on" position, Control Component just can detect operation finger and carry out the operation that makes it to be tilted to the left to holding finger assembly.

Shown in Fig. 4 (b), finger is placed between two rotary bodies (1,2), make the finger assembly maintenance level of holding, then right lead (19) and left lead (18) can not switched on.Can detect by this "on" position (off-position) and to hold finger assembly and do not tilt to any one side.By the data input device of said structure, switch switches according to the difference that the center of the power that applies is pointed in operation.Therefore, compare, can provide that mechanism is simple, cost is low, the data input device of little power consumption with the input media of electrostatic Trackpad etc.

Present embodiment is to point the centre of gravity place detection fingertip location of the slight pressure that applies according to being placed on the operation of holding on the finger assembly, so finger tip does not need to be permanently connected to rotary body.That is to say that even finger tip leaves rotary body (1,2) back moveable finger, this finger contacts rotary body (1,2) once more, is applied to the centre of gravity place that holds the power on the finger assembly according to holding finger assembly, also can detect correct fingertip location.Finger tip can freely leave rotary body (1,2) in the operating process, therefore can move quickly into the target location, improves input efficiency.

If can drop into some costs to the data input media more, adopt the switch of optical profile type or static capacity mode, replace conductive metal silk and lead, then the operation finger split close the power that applies can be littler.

(variation of embodiment one)

In addition, as previously mentioned, rotary body Support Level (3,4) is under light condition (finger of operating does not have state of contact), contact with right fulcrum (15), left fulcrum (16) and switching line (5) by the deadweight of holding finger assembly, whether contact for finger and hold finger assembly and also can detect.Promptly be equipped with the retracing spring that the finger assembly deadweight is held in opposing, rotary body Support Level under light condition (3,4) contacts with arcuation line (6,7), makes right lead (19) and left lead (18) be in "on" position and gets final product.But this retracing spring will adopt elasticity minimum, distinguishing with the ON/OFF of push switch (14).

(Fig. 5: the detection of rotary body rotation amount)

Figure 5 shows that and have the embodiment that can carry out the left rotation and right rotation testing agency (20,20) of optical detection the anglec of rotation of rotary body (1,2).Optical position detecting mechanism, the striped that prints on rotary body detects its moving direction and amount of movement because of the rotation of rotary body when mobile.According to the moving direction and the amount of movement of the rotary body that detects like this, can calculating operation the amount of movement of finger.By being equipped with this left rotation and right rotation testing agency (20,20), can carry out coordinate and specify (location), and operation feeling being identical with former trace ball.

In addition, with different 2 points that mainly contain of former trace ball.First is, the data input device that the present invention relates to can be held the moment that finger assembly is held in the contact of initial manipulation finger, is in the centre, still is inclined to right fulcrum (15) or left fulcrum (16).Though trace ball in the past by contact back to about which side energy of rotation identification, about the moment of contact can't discern.

Second is clicking operation.Trace ball is clicked by pushing independent button click, but with the data input device of present embodiment, the firm contact of operation finger just can be distinguished three kinds of contact positions, can can as device, click directly in contact position push switch (14) with three button clicks.

(Fig. 6)

Embodiment shown in Figure 5, the sense of rotation of rotary body (1,2) is confined to the one dimension of left and right directions, even detect the coordinate that its rotation amount also can only be specified left and right directions.And the embodiment that can carry out the appointment of fore-and-aft direction coordinate as shown in Figure 6.

This embodiment has simultaneously and can allow substrate direction the substrate shifting roller (21) and the front and back position testing agency (22) that move forwards, backwards, substrate (8) amount of movement that can this substrate shifting roller (21) of optical detection causes.In addition, though do not mark among the figure, the moving range of substrate shifting roller (21) is subjected to the restriction of physical arrangement, within the limits prescribed.

According to this embodiment, move by the rotation of rotary body (1,2) and the slip of substrate (8), the former specifies the coordinate of left and right directions, and the latter specifies the coordinate of fore-and-aft direction.Like this, owing to rotating and sliding and move, difference is felt in the operation of finger tip, to the cursor of operating with data input device, can distinguish the mobile of moving of its left and right directions and fore-and-aft direction by sense of touch.Therefore operation is not easy to cause confusion, and is very convenient.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, only, can't measure the absolute anglec of rotation of rotary body (1,2), thereby only detect the sense of rotation rotation amount relative of rotary body (1,2) with it with the left rotation and right rotation testing agency (20) of optics.Therefore, have only the normal place that detects the operation finger with other means, just can obtain the absolute position of operation finger.But, embodiment shown in Figure 4, can distinguish the absolute position that detects three kinds of finger tips, combined with operation finger rate of travel and the moving direction obtained according to the detected anglec of rotation of left rotation and right rotation testing agency (20) shown in Figure 5, just can specify diversified information.

For example, can detected three positions in the finger assembly seesaw mechanism of holding shown in Figure 4, if can distinguish anglec of rotation metering and three kinds of fingertip motions that left rotation and right rotation testing agency (20) as shown in Figure 5 carries out: " being moved to the left ", " moving right ", " do not have and move ", then, just can specify nine kinds of information inputs according to the combination of three kinds of positions and three kinds of motions.For example, detect after the finger fingertip of operating exerts pressure to rotary body (1,2), if in official hour, or, just can discern moving direction and the amount of movement of pointing to sense of rotation and the rotation amount that can hold detected rotary body (1,2) before pressure is removed.

Button operations such as drag and drop to former input media (for example mouse) compare below.Mouse drags starting point and puts down some these 2 information that appointment will be imported according to pointer position.But, the data input device that the present invention relates to, can by operation finger to hold the finger assembly contact about or the contact point at middle arbitrary place and operation finger in the moving direction of this contact point, the information that appointment will be imported.With after operation finger along continuous straight runs is moved, press to vertical direction again, make push switch (14) be in the open mode This move and compare, can be quickly different on the mobile this point below tiltedly at the operation finger.Therefore, can realize input action fast.

(Fig. 7)

Below with reference to Fig. 7, illustrate from nine kinds of menus, with the button operation of the data input device that the present invention relates to, on display, select the step of a required menu with the information equipment of the input data manipulation of this data input device.

At first, at the display with the information equipment of the input data manipulation of this data input device, along continuous straight runs has shown nine kinds of menus continuously.This menu is by every adjacent three menu groupings (23,24,25).

At first, be placed on the position of holding on the finger assembly (left side, middle, right three kinds), use left and right sides seesaw structure, select the position of regulation from operation finger.Can select any group (23,24,25) thus.At this moment, supposed to select to be positioned in 3 groups (left side group 23, middle groups 24, right group 25) group (23) on the left side.It is selected to demonstrate left side group (23) on the picture of information equipment.Dot among Fig. 7.

Then, the picture of information equipment becomes selection mode, and the selectively actuatable finger is moved to the left, moves right, and does not still move.When moving right, left rotation and right rotation testing agency (20) will detect dextrorotation turn (2) rotation.Then, press push switch (14), then the menu on the right side in (23) is organized on a left side, and promptly Item3 is selected.

In addition, when down state unclamps push switch (14), can also adopt the interface that is used to select the menu that more segments.

Fig. 7 has provided the method for selecting horizontal direction menu on the display, and the selection of vertical direction menu can be carried out as follows on the display.

At first, as data input device, need to adopt to allow and hold the finger assembly embodiment that moves of direction forwards, backwards.For example, the embodiment that illustrates with Fig. 6.

Adopt this embodiment, will operate to point to be put into and hold on the finger assembly, selection is with fingertip end (far-end), wrist end (near-end), the still middle push switch (14) of pressing.At this moment, can from three kinds of menus vertically preparing, select one.Here selected menu if the example that image pattern 7 provides divides into groups like that, unclamps the position of push switch (14) by change, just can select from group and want the menu selected.

(tables of data)

Data input device in the embodiment that provides till Fig. 4, the conducting state of the ON/OFF of compound use push switch (14) and contact (6,7).Particularly, the landing positions (about and in the middle of three kinds), operation finger that detects operation finger docking point (6,7) is the direction of motion all around of the operation finger of standard from position that contact (6,7) rises with above-mentioned landing positions when the open mode of switch (14) is left.This direction of motion supposition is calculated according to the relative position relation between landing positions and the lifting position.Simultaneously, movement velocity was calculated according to the time interval of the conducting state variation of contact (6,7).

In addition, also need sometimes to calculate amount of exercise.

Detected these results of data input device offer control program as signal, according to tables of data as follows, determine the action (D1～D27) corresponding to the program of these signals.

At first, in the configuration example of Fig. 3,, when detecting the landing positions of operation finger and lifting position, can utilize following tables of data by the "on" position of contact (6,7,3,4) and the ON/OFF of switch (14).

	The finger landing positions	A left side	Middle	Right
	The finger landing positions	A left side	Middle	Right	The finger lifting position
A left side		D1	D2	D3	The finger lifting position
A left side		D1	D2	D3	Middle	D4	D5	D6
Right		D7	D8	D9	Middle	D4	D5	D6

In the configuration example of Fig. 5,, detect the landing positions of operation finger, when detecting the finger motion direction, can utilize following tables of data with left and right sides position detecting mechanism (20) by the "on" position of contact (6,7,3,4) and the ON/OFF of switch (14).

	The finger landing positions	A left side	Middle	Right
	The finger landing positions	A left side	Middle	Right	The finger motion direction
A left side		D10	D11	D12	The finger motion direction
A left side		D10	D11	D12	Middle	D13	D14	D15
Right		D16	D17	D18	Middle	D13	D14	D15

Have again, if in the configuration example of Fig. 3, detect computing velocity after the time interval that contact (6,7,3,4) "on" position changes, perhaps in the configuration example of Fig. 5, detect the speed of rotary body (1,2) stripe movement, then the information of operation finger movement velocity also can be utilized in following tables of data.

	The finger motion direction	A left side	Static	Right
	The finger motion direction	A left side	Static	Right	Finger motion speed
Static		D19	D20	D21	Finger motion speed
Static		D19	D20	D21	Slowly	D22	D23	D24
Hurry up		D25	D26	D27	Slowly	D22	D23	D24

(English alphabet input)

Situation when following brief description uses aforesaid tables of data inputting English letter.

When importing for the first time:

D1 D4 D5 all specifies the left side district of keyboard;

D2 D5 D8 all specifies the mesozone of keyboard;

D3 D6 D9 all specifies the right side district of keyboard.

When importing for the second time, in 9 kinds of English alphabets in the zone of appointment when distinguishing input and import the first time with D1～D9.

(rolling operation)

Use same tables of data, the situation when brief description carries out rolling operation below.

D20 is used for the information of selective light cursor position;

When D22 is used for left direction low speed moving cursor;

D24 is used for when right low speed moving cursor;

When D25 is used for left direction high-speed mobile cursor;

D27 is used for when right high-speed mobile cursor.

(haptics member)

For with the relative position of sense of touch, preferably be equipped with and hold the member of fore-and-aft direction relative position operating other fingers of pointing or holding device to operation finger assurance fore-and-aft direction.For example, can be with the projection that changes outstanding form, provide haptic stimulus according to the position of finger tip fore-and-aft direction.The structure of this haptic stimulus is provided, can be arranged in the behind (promptly operating the back side of finger position) of data input device, as the structure that the finger of holding this data input device is provided haptic stimulus.

(haptics member at the back side)

Situation when the following describes operator as the data input device that the present invention relates to and referring to use thumb.Suppose the back side, be equipped with the sense of touch button that stimulates sense of touch at data input device.

When the back side of data input device touches the button with forefinger and middle finger, at the positive mobile thumb of device, take the back side touch the button the position directly over the position, thumb with the front stops the power that applies when the back side touches the button (positive afterburning, the power that counteracting applies from the back side), then be easy to button by the back side.

When adopting embodiment shown in Figure 6, still can obtain haptic stimulus when holding finger assembly, adopt following structure in order to move forward and backward in the device front.That is, thumb is placed on as operation finger holds on the finger assembly, move forward and backward this and hold finger assembly, take the back side haptic stimulus push-botton operation position directly over the position.In order to accomplish this point, can be with the back side of this data input device of haptic stimulus button arrangement in the moving range that belongs to the operation finger.

(Fig. 8)

Embodiment shown in Figure 8 has further increased function on embodiment basis shown in Figure 6.Promptly, has the seesaw structure of three positions can guaranteeing fore-and-aft direction in the below of substrate shifting roller (21) and front and back position testing agency (22).

On the sheet material that becomes this fore-and-aft direction seesaw structure substrate, two fulcrums (30,31) near central authorities, have been fixed.With this fulcrum (30,31) is the center, move the whole centre of gravity place of data input device of the present invention with the operation finger, can guarantee three kinds of positions, promptly be to tilt (Fig. 8 (a)), tilt (Fig. 8 (c)) to far-end to near-end, or maintenance level (Fig. 8 (b)).In order to detect this three kinds of positions, become on the sheet material of seesaw structure substrate, be equipped with make and break contact (28,29).And, be equipped with make and break contact (26,27) corresponding to described make and break contact (28,29) at the back side of the sheet material of supporting substrate shifting roller (21).

(Fig. 9)

Embodiment shown in Figure 9 in the position of replacing fore-and-aft direction seesaw structure shown in Figure 8 and push switch (14), is equipped with the rotary body (32,33) of front and back setting respectively, the rotary body (1,2) of each setting about replacement.

According to this embodiment,, be easy to distinguish in the front and back which applied pressure by the sense of touch of operation finger to the rotary body (32,33) arranged before and after respectively.With to distinguish left and right directions in the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the same, present embodiment, can distinguish three kinds of positions by sense of touch to rotary body (32,33), promptly be to near-end inclination (Fig. 9 (a)), to far-end inclination (Fig. 9 (c)), or in the time of maintenance level (Fig. 9 (b)), carry out the data input.As for the difference of three kinds of positions, will send different signals according to the difference of make and break contact (26,27,28,29) contact condition, so just can distinguish.

(Figure 10)

Embodiment shown in Figure 10 is in the position to fore-and-aft direction, does not need to distinguish horizontal level, only two kinds of a kind of simpler structure that can adopt when getting final product.Be independent fulcrum (36) with the fulcrum that supports fore-and-aft direction seesaw structure promptly, it is to tilt (Figure 10 (a)) to near-end that outfit can detect, and still is to the switch (34,35) of far-end inclination (Figure 10 (b)).

(Figure 11)

Embodiment shown in Figure 11 is the embodiment that prevents the misoperation structure.

Embodiment shown in Figure 11 (a) is characterised in that: have at switch with the upright pillar (38) that is provided with of the near-end font of falling L of plate (9) be rotated the finger that freely is supported on this pillar (38) front end and support with rotary body (37).It is rotating shaft with the horizontal component of pillar (38) that finger supports with rotary body (37), and can left and right directions (direction of vertical paper among the figure) slip.Therefore, be placed on finger and support the part activity of pointing with the operation on the rotary body (37) swimmingly.

The finger that is supported by pillar (38) supports with rotary body (37), be positioned at bearing components (12) directly over, apply bigger power even operation finger adversary refers to support with rotary body (37), can not press push switch (14) yet.This structure helps preventing the misoperation of switch (14).

Embodiment shown in Figure 11 (b), the finger that has replaced in the embodiment shown in Figure 11 (a) with finger bracing frame (39) supports with rotary body (37), to guarantee the transverse width of pillar (38).And the guide rail (40) that this finger bracing frame (39) can along continuous straight runs be provided with moves.And, also have switch (41) and contact (42,43) thereof according to the fore-and-aft direction switching of pillar.

Finger bracing frame (39) also is positioned at directly over the bearing components (12), so even operation finger adversary refers to that bracing frame (39) applies bigger power, also can not press push switch (14).This structure, at finger forwards, backwards or left and right directions when movable, it is movable again that the center of gravity of finger moves to earlier behind the finger bracing frame (39), can prevent that mistake is afterburning downwards, helps preventing the misoperation of switch (14).

Have, be put into and hold on finger assembly or finger bracing frame (39) if will operate the center of gravity of finger, the reacting force the during switch (41) of operation finger bracing frame (39) also is absorbed by this center of gravity, can prevent the mistake input.

In addition, finger support with rotary body (37) and point bracing frame (39) all can't the above-below direction activity, therefore the part of operation finger still is placed on the finger support with on rotary body (37) or the finger bracing frame (39), when holding finger assembly and exert pressure, need to exert pressure with the other part (finger tip etc.) of finger that can be up and down.In addition, also have the slide mechanism of fore-and-aft direction, can follow and operate moving and moving of finger fore-and-aft direction.Therefore, finger supports with rotary body (37) and finger bracing frame (39), can follow the motion of operation finger fore-and-aft direction and rotates or move, and can not influence finger tip moving movement all around.

(variation of the embodiment of Figure 11)

In addition, can also detect the amount of movement that holds finger assembly and finger bracing frame (39), can be used for according to this amount of movement specified coordinate.

Can also adopt following structure: support with rotary body (37) by the swing finger, or be provided with, provide haptic stimulus, the position of notice finger tip fore-and-aft direction etc. to the operation finger from the outstanding projection of finger bracing frame (39).

In addition, among the embodiment of Figure 11, support the bottom of thumb with rotary body or finger bracing frame, but might not support the bottom (near referring to butt) of thumb, also can support close fingertip end with the finger support.

(Figure 12)

The following describes the embodiment of Figure 12.This embodiment is characterised in that except that the structure of embodiment shown in Figure 2, also to have relative position haptics member (44,45) between two rotary bodies (1,2), and it can contact the finger that is placed between two rotary bodies (1,2).Relative position haptics member (44,45) is by constituting than littler cylindrical body (44) of rotary body (1,2) and rotating shaft (45) that this cylindrical body (44) is paralleled with the rotating shaft of rotary body (1,2).This relative position haptics member (44,45) is fixed, even to the inclination of seesaw assembly, or the fore-and-aft direction slide mechanism shown in Fig. 6 etc. cause hold seesawing of finger assembly and also can not move.

The operation finger can be held the position of operation finger by the difference of sense of touch when rotation rotary body (1,2), as feels that cylindrical body (44) is a bossing, or also moves forward and backward according to the haptic position that seesaws of holding finger assembly.

In operation finger moving process, can strengthen the difference of sense of touch by the projection of bobbing and weaving rotary body and being provided with in addition, more clearly discern finger position.At this moment, swing with identical amount to same direction all over compared with all rotary bodies that constitute the rotary body array, each rotary body each all use different modes to swing, and can more clearly feel haptic stimulus.For example, when the seesaw assembly tilted, the interval between the interval if dextrorotation is turned between (1) and the cylindrical body (44), left-handed turning (2) and the cylindrical body (44) changed, and then the operation finger can clearly be felt concavo-convex difference according to its variation.

People's sensation, especially sense of touch are generally very responsive to the relative variation that stimulates, rotary body (1,2) up and down or the left and right sides move variantly, feel to be subjected to new stimulation, sense of touch is more clear.In the configuration example of Fig. 4, operation finger move left and right, the Level Change of two rotary bodies (1,2) contact finger have the stimulation of making effect more clearly, but embodiment shown in Figure 12 can be more clear.For example, the variation of the center that rotary body (1,2) is exerted pressure along with operation finger is moved by the order of Figure 12 (a) and (b), (c), and then the interval between rotary body (44) and the rotary body (1,2) will produce difference.In addition, left or the operation finger of moving right, when pressing in the rotary body (1,2), rotary body (44) prevents that in addition misconnection from touching the block function of the rotary body on opposite.

(the interval adjusting mechanism of rotary body)

The interval of two rotary bodies (1,2) must be less than the width of the finger of operating.Therefore, we can say that an appropriate interval is arranged according to the operator's finger size.For this reason, also can be equipped with mechanism and the structure that to adjust this interval.

And if have an above-mentioned rotary body (44), the operation finger can be thinner finger, even the people that perhaps stature is little, finger is thin also can reduce the situation that finger drops to operating difficulties in the low ebb between two rotary bodies (1,2) and take place.

(variation)

Above-mentioned data input device is compared with input media (for example cross key) up to now and is more suitable for miniaturization, but also can use the method identical with Wireless IC card and Wireless IC tag, provide electric power by electric wave, under wireless, power free situation, work from the outside.

In addition,, then also visual identity can be improved in the dark, illuminating power can be saved if rotary body (1,2) constitutes with holding the photosensitiveness material.

Claims

1. the data input device of input signal is sent in the operation of basis finger institute's position contacting of operating and this finger, it is characterized in that having:

Be used to place the finger assembly that holds of finger;

The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds;

The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly,

Hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated.

2. data input device according to claim 1 is characterized in that, has to detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively.

3. according to each described data input device of claim 1 or 2, it is characterized in that, be equipped with the relative position haptics member between two rotary bodies, it can touch the finger that is placed between two rotary bodies that hold finger assembly.

4. according to each described data input device of claim 1 to 3, it is characterized in that having: hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism.

5. according to each described data input device of claim 1 to 4, it is characterized in that having: Date Conversion Unit, its output to each sensor and above-below direction switch is changed, and makes it to meet the agreement that information equipment can be discerned; Shaping unit, it carries out shaping to the conversion output through this Date Conversion Unit conversion, makes it to become the signal that conforms to the transmission mode of transmitting to information equipment.

6. information equipment has the data input device that is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and allows the cursor that shows on this output picture or pen travel optional position to the output picture,

This data input device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly,

It is characterized in that, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated.

7. information equipment according to claim 6 is characterized in that data input device has: hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism

8. information equipment, it has and is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and can selects to specify in the indicating device of the choice menus that shows on this output picture,

This indicating device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly,

9. information equipment according to claim 8 is characterized in that indicating device has: hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism.

10. information equipment, it has and is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and shows the character entry apparatus of any character on this output picture,

This character entry apparatus can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly,

It is characterized in that, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can by with the finger operated vertically be that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger,

The output picture has: the alternative characters output unit, and it shows alternatively and answers the alternative of input character according to the signal from the finger position sensor; Determine the character output unit, the alternative characters that it shows this alternative characters output unit according to the signal from the above-below direction switch, shows on the output picture and selects definite definite character.

11. information equipment according to claim 10 is characterized in that, character entry apparatus has: hold the finger assembly slide mechanism, it can allow and hold proximal direction and the distal direction slip of finger assembly to the finger of operating; The sliding position detecting sensor, it can detect this sliding position that holds the finger assembly slide mechanism.

12. an information equipment control method, this information equipment have the data input device that is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and allows the cursor that shows on this output picture or pen travel optional position to the output picture,

Information equipment control method is characterised in that to have:

Receiving step receives the output signal from finger position sensor and above-below direction switch;

Switch process according to the signal list of prior storage, is converted to the output signal of this receiving step reception the move of cursor or pointer;

The output step is according to the move through this switch process conversion, the control signal of output cursor or pointer.

13. information equipment control method according to claim 12, wherein, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, data input device has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.

14. an information equipment control method, this information equipment have and are used at the output picture of display message on the picture and can select to specify in the indicating device of the choice menus that shows on this output picture,

Information equipment control method is characterised in that to have:

Switch process, according to the signal list of prior storage, the output signal that this receiving step is received is converted in the definite instruction of the selection of exporting the choice menus that shows on the picture;

The control execution in step according to determining instruction through the selection of this switch process conversion, is controlled this information equipment.

15. information equipment control method according to claim 14, wherein, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, indicating device has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.

16. an information equipment control method, this information equipment have and are used at the output picture of display message on the picture and are used for showing the character entry apparatus of any character on this output picture,

Information equipment control method is characterised in that to have:

Finger position sensor signal receiving step receives the signal from the finger position sensor;

Alternative characters output step according to the alternative characters table of prior storage, to changing from the signal of this finger position sensor, shows on the output picture alternatively and answers the alternative of input character;

Above-below direction switch receiving step receives the signal from the above-below direction switch;

Determine character output step,,, on the output picture, show and select definite definite character changing from the signal of above-below direction switch according to definite character list of prior storage.

17. information equipment control method according to claim 16, wherein, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, character entry apparatus has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.

18. the control program of an information equipment, this information equipment have the data input device that is used at the output picture of display message on the picture and allows the cursor that shows on this output picture or pen travel optional position to the output picture,

Data input device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly,

The control program of information equipment is to allow the computer program that is built in the computing machine execution following steps in the information equipment:

19. computer program according to claim 18, wherein, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, data input device has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.

20. the control program of an information equipment, this information equipment have and are used at the output picture of display message on the picture and can select to specify in the indicating device of the choice menus that shows on this output picture,

Indicating device can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly,

21. computer program according to claim 20, wherein, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, indicating device has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.

22. the control program of an information equipment, this information equipment have and are used at the output picture of display message on the picture and are used for showing the character entry apparatus of any character on this output picture,

Character entry apparatus can send input signal according to the finger institute's position contacting of operating and the operation of this finger, has: the finger assembly that holds that is used to place finger; The finger position sensor, any in about it holds finger position in the finger assembly and can detect this or middle three kinds; The above-below direction switch, it can carry out switch according to holding moving up and down of finger assembly,

23. computer program according to claim 22, wherein, hold the formation structure of finger assembly, can be by vertically being that two rotary bodies of rotating shaft support this finger with the finger operated, character entry apparatus has can detect the rotation sensor that two rotary bodies are rotated respectively, in the receiving step, also receive output signal from this rotation sensor.